ROCHESTER — Even before Gilmanton declared its results in the Senate District 6 race, late on Tuesday evening, it was clear Republican Sam Cataldo would emerge the winner over Democrat Richard Leonard of New Durham based on the poll results from elsewhere in the constituency, as he was holding a lead of more than 400 votes.

District 6, revamped in the wake of the 2010 census, now comprises the city of Rochester and the towns of Farmington, New Durham, Alton, Barnstead and Gilmanton.

Cataldo won New Durham 812-688, he easily won Alton 1,965-1,172 and won again in Barnstead, 1,157-1,023. Cataldo also won his hometown of Farmington 1,457-1,304. These margins were more than enough to compensate for narrowly losing five out of six wards in Rochester.

Then Gilmanton declare 1079-891 in favor of Cataldo, and he led Leonard 12,711 votes to 12,115 votes.

Shortly before 10 p.m., Leonard, seated with other Democrats in a Rochester restaurant said, “I am disappointed, but I wish Sam Cataldo well. We ran a good campaign and I look forward to 2014.”

Cataldo, reached a little later by cell phone, said, “It was a very interesting race. Richard has been a gentleman right along. I would like to thank all the people for their votes and I will try to do my best for everyone.

Cataldo, 75, of Hornetown Road in Farmington, is married with five children and many grandchildren, and has lived in the town since 2001.

A native of Lawrence, Mass., Cataldo attended Lowell Technical College and, later in his career, Northeast University where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in industrial management and Lasalle University in Louisiana, where he gained a master’s degree in nuclear engineering.

He served six years in the U.S. Air Force, gained his commercial pilot’s license, and then spent 11 years working in research and development for Avco Corporation. After this he owned a restaurant and was also a cemetery superintendent, before becoming a commercial nuclear contractor for the next 20 years. Since moving to Farmington, he became an active member of St. Peter’s Church, and attends the Rochester 912 meetings. He belongs to Granite State Patriots and is a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association. He is a member of Farmington Fish and Game Club, and serves on Farmington Budget Committee.

He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2002 and served two two-year terms. He was elected again in 2010, and currently serves as one of Strafford County District 3’s eight representatives.